<p>So I applied for admission during my senior year and was waitlisted and later denied-- I honestly don't think they took anyone off of the waitlist that year. Still, I've always dreamed about going to Wellesley. Once I visited during the spring, I absolutely fell in love-- the professors were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic, the women there were friendly and outgoing, and the entire vibe just felt right. The campus of course was also breathtaking. Anyway, it really broke my heart to know that even though I worked so hard, the college of my dreams just didn't think I was good enough. Since then, I have enrolled at a research university that currently ranks within the top 50 in the country and is a new ivy. I like it here, but I don't love it-- like I don't feel like my time here will make a lasting impression on me as a person, and I want to love the school I go to and feel a pride every time someone asks me which school I attend. It's not even about prestige-- I just love the whole idea that Wellesley presents. </p>
<p>Anyway, sorry about that long rant. The point is that I'm not sure whether I should apply as a transfer first of all because I'm scared my heart will get broken again and it took such a long time to heal the first time. And I'm scared that I'm not competitive enough. </p>
<p>HS GPA ~4.4/5
College GPA (one semester) ~3.7/4 (hopefully this will improve after this semester)
SAT I: 760 CR, 770 M, 800 W
SAT II: 780 Math II, 710 Chemistry, 750 Biology-E
HS EC's: Forensics(leadership position) , Violin, 200+ hrs of community service, community service club, science team
College EC's: Colleges against Cancer (leadership position), Research Journal editor, student gov't, internship at hospital, volunteer tutoring</p>
<p>Gah! I don't know. I don't think I have any "wow" factor that would make them want me this time so I don't know if I should even try. Should I wait another year/ semester before trying?</p>
<p>There you have it. Definitely apply. Life is long. You need to toughen up anyway for your own personal growth. If you get in great, if not, it won’t take as long to heal the second time and you’ll be that much tougher for it. It’s win-win for you. If you don’t apply you can only lose because you’ll always wonder what if.</p>
<p>A friend of our family was deferred from ED to U Penn, then waitlisted out of the RD group. After spending freshman year elsewhere, this young person was admitted to U Penn and graduated from there about two years ago. So, I know that this kind of thing can work out.</p>
<p>But, be sure to have a solid back-up plan. Are you happy enough where you are to complete your degree there if you aren’t admitted to Wellesley, or do you want to make a larger list of possible transfer-to colleges and universities? If so, you might want to consider Bryn Mawr and Mt. Holyoke. The student bodies would be similar, even though the campuses are quite different.</p>
<ol>
<li>Are you unhappy where you currently are?</li>
<li>Is this dream of Wellesley stopping you from fully committing to your current school?</li>
<li>What is the admissions rate for transfers? It’s usually lower than freshman admit rates,(Check the Common Data Set).</li>
</ol>
<p>I have no clue if you’re “competitive enough” to get into Wellesley as a transfer; frankly, given your HS profile I’m a bit surprised you were rejected the first time. I really bristle at your comment about Wellesley not thinking you were “good enough”. There are times when the admissions process makes no sense. For whatever reason, you didn’t fit their profile last year; it’s not about being “good enough”. </p>
<p>If you’re unhappy, then certainly apply to transfer. If you’re looking to go someplace where you’ll be happ*-ier*, then apply with a “what have I got to lose” attitude. I’m concerned that you’ve built Wellesley up to this bigger than life place that is bound to disappoint you even if you do get accepted there. I suggest that you keep in mind the positives that you have going on in your life. You’re performing very well at a Top 50 college, don’t let a Wellesley rejection taint the experiences you are having. Just because the grass looks greener someplace else doesn’t mean it truly is.</p>
<ol>
<li>Not unhappy… not ecstatic either, though. </li>
<li>No, I can still focus, but it is on the back of my mind. As a premed student, I am reluctant to apply as a transfer for next year because I have a feeling that maintaining a strong GPA will definitely be more difficult at Wellesley, and I’m planning to take orgo next year. </li>
<li>Eh, Wellesley’s transfer rates fluctuate year to year. In previous years, they have taken about 15% of applicants, but from what I’ve heard, this year will be more competitive because of the size of the freshman class. Granted, some of these students will transfer out because they will find that the Wellesley experience is not for them, but I doubt the numbers will greatly influence the acceptance rate for transfers. Also, the transfer admission process is notorious for being much more selective in terms of looking for applicants with “stories” rather than those with decent scores, etc. </li>
</ol>
<p>By the way, I think you might be right (vinceh) about the whole building it up too much in my mind.</p>